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Abuja, Nigeria — The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), through its fact-checking initiative DUBAWA, has launched a groundbreaking project to equip Nigerian secondary school students with the skills to combat information disorder.
The initiative officially commenced on February 25, 2025, with the support of the Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria, marking a major step towards fostering a more media-literate generation.
In today’s digital era, young people are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of misinformation and disinformation, which can influence their perceptions, mental health, and decision-making. Recognising this urgent challenge, DUBAWA is committed to equipping teenagers with critical thinking skills to navigate the complex information ecosystem responsibly.
The project will introduce Media and Information Literacy (MIL) education to students and teachers across 24 secondary schools in 12 states, covering all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. It will empower participants to critically evaluate information sources, detect biases embedded in content, and develop responsible online engagement habits.
This initiative builds upon DUBAWA’s longstanding commitment to media literacy. It follows in the footsteps of impactful programmes such as “Week for Truth,” an annual national campaign promoting critical thinking and fact-checking.
Over the years, DUBAWA has pioneered fact-checking initiatives and delivered targeted MIL training to various communities, including schools and grassroots organisations. These past experiences provide a solid foundation for scaling this intervention.
Speaking on the significance of the project, Akintunde Babatunde, Director of Programmes at CJID, emphasised the need to empower young people with the tools to navigate today’s information landscape:
“This campaign is essential in preparing Nigerian teenagers to become discerning consumers of information in the digital age. With misinformation spreading rapidly and influencing young minds, it is our duty to equip them with the skills to critically assess information, understand biases, and protect themselves from harmful online content.”
Also speaking on the project’s impact, Temilade Onilede, DUBAWA’s project manager, noted that this initiative allows the organisation to scale its previous efforts.
“This project is an opportunity for us to amplify our impact and ensure that young Nigerians are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of today’s digital information ecosystem.”
CJID remains committed to advancing good governance, accountability, and social justice through investigative journalism, media development, and civic engagement. For years, CJID has championed press freedom and fact-based reporting across West Africa, fostering a media landscape that upholds the values of democracy and transparency.
In his closing statement, Babatunde said, “By providing media and information literacy training, we are not just educating students—we are building a generation capable of critical thinking, responsible digital engagement, and informed decision-making, which is vital for sustaining a healthy democracy.”
